"We have not had the tsunami that politics and Hollywood has had, but we are still women," Harkins told The Associated Press. "I would want to see men and women wearing white roses and I would like men and women to be able to have meaningful Grammy Award speeches when those speeches happen."

Key music industry executives have since called on artists and employees to participate as the Grammys celebrates its 60th anniversary with a ceremony in New York City.

Kelly Clarkson, Cyndi Lauper, Dua Lipa, Halsey, Rita Ora and host James Corden have reportedly signed on to participate.

Gender issues like equal pay and sexual misconduct in the workplace have taken center stage throughout award season after dozens of men in media, politics, business and other fields were felled by allegations of sexual misconduct in the second half of 2017.